Parents have been counseled on the need to give adequate attention to welfare of their children, in order to enhance their spiritual, physical and intellectual development. This advice was given by the Provost of Adeyemi College of Education (ACE) Ondo, Prof. Olukoya Ogen, in a message delivered at a party organized for children of Teaching and Non-teaching staff in the institution, held at the College quadrangle on Saturday January 9, 2016.

Represented by the Chairman Committee of Deans, who is also the Dean, School of Arts and Social Sciences in the institution, Dr. Ajigbade Ikuejube, Prof. Ogen acknowledged the importance of children and stated that the party was organized, to provide a platform where they can socialize and interact I n order to enhance love and understanding among them.He described children as gift of God, stating that as custodians, parents should not shirk their responsibilities of taking adequate care of them. The Provost also emphasized the need for parents to educate their children and wards by placing them on path of righteousness in line with the dictates of God.

Describing education as the best legacy parents could bequeath to children, the Provost called on parents to place more emphasis on it rather than material possessions adding that the move would enable them fulfill their future dreams and aspirations.

Similarly, Prof. Ogen also admonished children to always be obedient by honouring their parents and elders saying doing so would make them successful and achieve long life. His words: ‘’Children, you must love your parents and respect them. You must refrain from doing anything that may annoy them. When you love and respect them, they will pray for you.‘’You must also obey the law of the land, obey the rules and regulations of your school as well as social organizations that you may belong to” he stated. While stressing the need for children to face their studies, Prof. Ogen also advised them to seek constantly the face of God, in order to help them attain their goal as they go through the journey of life.

Earlier in her remark, the Chairman, 2016 Staff Children’s Party, Dr. (Mrs.) Itunu Awosika, said the event was organized as part of effort at marking the annual tradition of bringing children of staff together, in order to promote friendliness and show appreciation to God, for sparing their lives in the last one year after similar event was organized in the College. Awosika expressed appreciation to the Provost, Prof. Olukoya Ogen and other Principal officers of the College for providing financial support, which enable her committee to organize the programme.

The Chairman 2016 Children’s Party also appreciated staff of the institution including the Deans, School of Languages, Dr Johnson Ojo as well as his counterparts from Vocational and Technical Education and Science, Doctors Akinbani Stephen and Folorunso Balogun respectively for gracing the occasion.

The colourful event featured activities which include cutting of cake, drama, games and dance competition as well as presentation of prizes to children who exhibited exceptional performance in games and competitions held at the party.

Eminent personalities from within and outside the College who attended the event include the former Acting Provost of the College, Very Revd. Benjamin Folarin Adeniji; College Registrar, Mr. Felix Aderinboye; representative of College Bursar, Mr. G.O Abdul, Mr. Oladejo Samson; Representative of the College Acting Librarian, Mr R.A Awoyemi, Mr. Jato Michael; Dean, Student Affairs, Mr. Olaniyi Olaluwoye. Others were representative of Director of Works, Physical Planning and Services, Mr. B.F Ajayi, Mr. Tobase Victor; Deputy Director, Internal Audit, Mr. I.O Abimbola; Principal, Adeyemi College Demonstration Secondary School, Mr. E.O Owasoyo; Headmaster, Adeyemi College of Education, Nursery and Primary School, Mr. F I Ekpenyong and representative of the College of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), ACE chapter, who is also the Vice Chairman of the association, Mr. Tope Ozeigbo among others.